Chastek Blawg

Law reVIEW is a blog series dedicated to investigating and reviewing both popular and documentary films in the Chastek Library film collection. E RIN BROCKOVICH (2000)  Julia Roberts stars in this hugely popular dramatized biographical film portrayal of the life of single mom, legal clerk, and activist, Erin Brockovich. Supported by the wonderful Albert Finney as attorney Ed Masry, this film tells the tale of the 1996  Anderson, et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric   arbitration that became what was then the largest direct action settlement in U.S. history.  Beginning in 1992, Brockovich, with Masry's expertise and support, builds a case against the utility giant upon discovering evidence that PG&E covered-up their role in contaminating Hinkley, California's water supply with cancer-causing hexavalent chromium  decades before through their use of unlined wastewater disposal ponds.  Erin Brockovich currently holds an 84% on Rotten Tomato...

Working from home can be incredibly distancing and distracting, and with Governor Inslee’s recent Stay Home, Stay Healthy directive, heading to the local coffee shop or library is not an option; so, here are some great tips for staying motivated while working from home. Maintain regular hours and set a schedule .  Law students’ lives are strictly regimented with classes, due dates, internships, externships, work study, community service, and a host of other necessary components to be successful in the field; and, when something unexpected occurs, like a pandemic, trying to maintain your motivation while stuck at home can be incredibly difficult. Setting and keeping a schedule will keep you accountable for the hours you need to put in every day to either write a brief or complete a research journal. If unable to do this on your own, look into downloading a phone app that can help you with your time-management skills, such as RescueTime, Todoist, or Focus Booster. Cre...

Per Governor Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order on March 23, the Chastek Library is now closed to all patrons until further notice. "All patrons" means, law students, UW Medical School students, and affiliated attorneys. This will last at least two weeks. Future hours have yet to be determined. Chastek Library has been closed to the Federal Depository Library Program until further notice.

As you’re all stuck at home navigating the territory of online classes and keeping yourself entertained in isolation, check out the new guide from Chastek Library, COVID-19 Resource Guide for Students . It will provide you with up to date information on COVID-19 via the CDC RSS feeds, and also link you to sources that will help you with your schoolwork, such as how to access free internet and other educational resources like online study aids. If needing a break, check out the various entertainment resources online, and browse through the list of restaurants that are currently offering delivery or takeout. It will be updated regularly during this time so keep checking in for extra fun links. And, if there is anything else you’d like to see on this guide that may assist other students, please let us know! We hope this makes your lives a little easier at this time. Stay safe and healthy. Full link: http://libguides.law.gonzaga.edu/COVID19/cdc Regards, You...

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chastek Library is closed  to the general public until further notice.  Library hours for UW medical students, law students, faculty, staff,  and affiliated attorneys: Click Here for Library Hours   Library doors are locked. Please bring your Gonzaga University ID card to scan in. Hours are subject to change at any time.   The library has been closed to the Federal Depository Library Program  until further notice.  If you have a reference question, please call 509.313.3758 between 9am - 5pm.

Patrick Charles has been at Gonzaga since 2007. He started as the Associate Director and in 2013, became the Director of Chastek Library. He is responsible for the operation of the law library, which includes acquisitions, personnel, and the library's overall operating budget. He is also an Associate Professor of Law. He teaches Advanced Legal Research, Legal Analysis, and Sports Law at Gonzaga University. This past summer, he was fortunate enough to teach Comparative Sports Law for the Gonzaga-in-Florence Law Program in Florence, Italy. He has also recently become the Director of the Executive J.D. program for the law school.  Outside of work, he enjoys fishing and being outdoors with his family. He and his wife, Tricia, have two daughters, Frances and Madeline, and two dogs, Lobaca and Pepe, AKA Big Poodle.